Research priority -Understanding transmission and ensuring prevention,early detection and treatment

Our efforts aim to understand transmission and develop better diagnostic techniques to detect and prevent the disease. The transmission of leprosy remains poorly understood. If we are to end the transmission of the disease, we must understand the mechanism of transmission better than we currently do.

We will invest in the generation of knowledge and evidence-based tools to interrupt transmission. These  include:

i. Point-of-care diagnostics tests
ii. GIS mapping that combines transmission studies with epidemiology and public health
iii. The under-studied aspects of transmission, such as factors that make people more of less infectious

We will invest in the generation of knowledge in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in leprosy. This may include:

i. Large scale, longitudinal AMR surveys and mapping
ii. Trialling alternative, better drug treatments